Season by the numbers: Looking at Detroit Lions QB Matthew Stafford's stats in pressure situations

AP File PhotoMatthew Stafford put up huge numbers for the Lions this year, but there's still room for improvement in high-pressure situations.

Note: I spent the past five weeks thoroughly reviewing and charting all 1,094 offensive snaps from the Detroit Lions' 2011 regular season. This is part of a series of posts based on my observations. If you have any questions, feel free to email me or ask in the comments and I'll make every effort to respond.

Quarterback Matthew Stafford is coming off the greatest statistical season in Detroit Lions' franchise history. His 421 completions, 5,038 yards, 41 touchdowns and 63.5 percent completion percentage are all new team records. The only thing Stafford didn't do in 2011 was lead the team to a postseason victory.

But those numbers are available to everyone. Stafford's situational stats also paint an interesting picture and show some areas where he can continue to improve as he develops.

First, let's take a look how Stafford fared against the blitz. In 750 drop backs, opposing defenses sent more than four pass rushers on 154 plays. On those snaps, Stafford completed 80 of 147 passes (54.4 percent) for 1131 yards, two touchdowns (both against Kansas City in Week 2), and four interceptions. Stafford was also sacked six times and forced to scramble once when blitzed.

The 72.7 quarterback rating against the blitz was significantly lower than Stafford's 92.7 mark for the season.

Not surprisingly, Stafford's numbers took an even bigger tumble under duress. In situations where the quarterback was forced to move from the pocket, rush his throw, or was hit on the play, he completed just 36-88 (40.9 percent) for 640 yards, three touchdowns, two interceptions. That was good for a 68.4 QB rating.

Where Stafford thrived was in the red zone. The Lions ran 165 plays inside the opponents' 20-yard line. They dropped back to pass 117 times and Stafford was able to get off a throw on 107 plays.

While Stafford's accuracy dipped in the short field, completing just 51 of those passes (47.7 percent), he did a great job getting the ball into the end zone while rarely turning it over. He finished the season with a remarkable 27/3 touchdown-to-interception ratio in the red zone.

Finally, let's take a quick glance at Stafford's numbers when the Lions were either tied or trailing within two scores in the fourth quarter and overtime.

In those situations, Stafford made 120 throws, completing 64 of those passes (53.3 percent) while racking up 796 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. That's good for a 83.9 QB rating.